The four Portuguese citizens detained by Israeli authorities during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza — Mariana Mortágua, Sofia Aparício, Miguel Duarte, and Diogo Chaves — have safely returned to Portugal.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, confirmed their arrival at Lisbon Airport at 10:40 p.m. on Sunday, following diplomatic coordination to secure their release and repatriation.
According to government official sources, the Portuguese ambassador in Israel, Helena Paiva, personally visited the detainees at the Ketsiot (Ketzi’ot) detention center before their deportation. She formally protested to Israeli authorities over the reported conditions of detention, citing “complaints regarding access to basic needs and communication.”
Upon arrival in Lisbon, the Portuguese detainees described what they called “inhumane and degrading treatment” during their detention. They reported long hours without food, water, or contact with consular officials and said they witnessed mistreatment of other international activists detained alongside them.
“We were not beaten, but we were humiliated,” said Mariana Mortágua, Left Bloc party MP. “We spent hours without food or water, and we saw people—some elderly—being shouted at and denied medical assistance. No humanitarian mission should be treated as a crime.”
Sofia Aparício, actress and humanitarian volunteer, added: “We went to the Mediterranean carrying peace, not weapons. What we faced was an attempt to silence compassion. The conditions were harsh, but what shocked me most was how other detainees, especially women and older people, were treated.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all four Portuguese nationals are in good health but acknowledged that “the conditions of detention were difficult and raised serious humanitarian concerns.”
In a public statement, the Ministry emphasized that “Portugal expects full respect for international law, human rights, and the dignity of all individuals engaged in humanitarian work.”
“Portugal is following this situation closely, in coordination with European partners, and reiterates its commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding international humanitarian law,” the Ministry said.
Miguel Duarte, a long-time maritime rescuer and activist, described the flotilla’s goal as “a symbolic act of solidarity” to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “Our intention was peaceful. We wanted to open a humanitarian corridor and deliver medical and essential supplies. Instead, we were intercepted with military force,” he said.
The Portuguese delegation’s return comes as other European nationals—including activists from Italy, Spain, and France—are also being repatriated following the flotilla’s interception by Israeli naval forces.
The European Union’s External Action Service has requested clarification from Israeli authorities about the treatment of the detainees and the legality of the interception under maritime law.
The Portuguese government continues to monitor developments through diplomatic channels and has reaffirmed its call for humanitarian access to Gaza. A diplomatic follow-up is expected in coordination with other European Union partners whose nationals were also detained.
PAJ/Staff/This developing story will be updated
